Cardinal Mooney High School Basketball Season Preview

Season Overview In Coach Curtis Kassab’s first season at the helm, Cardinal Mooney Boys Basketball delivered a stellar campaign, finishing with an impressive 24-3 record. The Cougars established themselves as one of the top programs in the region through consistent performances and strong team chemistry. Key Contributors Several players made major impacts throughout the season and are set to return next year: Malakai Cuffy – Averaged 13 points per game, serving as a reliable offensive presence. Jamaal George – Also averaged 13 points per game, adding scoring balance and playmaking ability. Sam Reindel – Contributed 11 points per game and showed steady improvement as the season progressed. Season Highlights A major highlight of the year came in December, when the Cougars won the City Christmas Tournament at Bradenton Christian, showcasing their depth and composure in high-pressure games. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the season was the team's consistency—rarely slipping up, no matter the opponent. Player Development Two players in particular took major steps forward: Sam Reindel developed into a key contributor, gaining confidence and expanding his game. Jayden Burnett showed notable growth, stepping into a larger role with improved production and decision-making. Responding to Adversity Despite losing nine seniors from the previous year, none of whom were returning contributors, the team responded impressively to the challenge. The new-look squad adapted quickly, worked hard, and competed with intensity in every situation. Senior Class Contributions Though limited in returning experience, the senior class provided crucial leadership and helped lay the foundation for a new era under Coach Kassab. Their impact was felt both on the court and in the locker room during a transitional year. Looking Ahead With Malakai Cuffy, Jamaal George, and Sam Reindel all returning—along with talented bench players and promising JV prospects—the future looks bright. “My top three returners bring skill and leadership,” said Kassab. “We’ve also got some young talent ready to step up.” Offseason Goals Coach Kassab identified a few areas for improvement this offseason: Basketball IQ Ball Handling Shooting Efficiency The coaching staff plans to focus on skill development and mental sharpness to push the program to even greater heights next season. Where to Find Stats Full player and team statistics can be found on MaxPreps.